How to Reduce Dog Shedding at Home: 10 Practical Steps

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Dog hair on the sofa, the clothes and in the soup is an everyday reality. While shedding cannot be switched off, you can capture most of the hair before it spreads. Here are ten steps that work.

1. Brush regularly

Brushing removes loose hair at the source. Short coats need weekly attention, double coats two to three times a week and shedding season may call for daily sessions. See how often to brush a dog and how to brush a dog properly.

2. Use the right tool

Rakes suit double coats, curry brushes suit short coats and slickers suit medium and curly coats. See best deshedding tools and how to use an undercoat rake.

3. Brush outdoors or on a sheet

Brushing outside keeps hair from your home. If you must brush indoors, put a sheet or towel down and wash it afterward.

4. Bathe and dry thoroughly

A bath loosens dead hair. Dry with a towel and, if possible, a high-velocity dryer, then brush. Avoid bathing too often, which dries skin and can worsen shedding and flaking. See how often to bathe a dog and best high-velocity dryers.

5. Feed a balanced diet

A complete diet supports skin and coat health. Poor nutrition leads to dull, brittle hair and more shedding. Check labels for a statement that the food is complete and balanced. See how to read a dog food label. Do not add supplements without talking to your vet.

6. Keep up with parasite control

Fleas, mites and lice cause itching and hair loss. Follow your vet's advice on prevention.

7. Keep your dog hydrated and healthy

Fresh water and regular veterinary checks support overall health. Skin conditions, hormonal diseases and allergies can cause excess shedding. See dog skin allergies.

8. Manage your home

• Use washable throws on sofas and dog beds.
• Vacuum often, with a vacuum designed for pet hair.
• Use lint rollers, rubber gloves or damp sponges to lift hair from fabric.
• Wash dog bedding weekly.
• Choose hard flooring or washable rugs where possible.

9. Do not shave a double coat

Shaving removes insulation and may harm future coat growth. See should you shave a double-coated dog.

10. Reduce stress

Stress can increase shedding. Keep routines steady and provide exercise and enrichment.

Grooming schedule at a glance

• Daily: quick brush in shedding season
• Weekly: full brush and comb
• Monthly: bath, dry and rake as needed
• Always: lint roller by the door

Professional help

Groomers offer deshedding services that can remove a large amount of loose undercoat in one visit. See how to choose a professional dog groomer.

When to see a vet

Seek advice if shedding is sudden, patchy or accompanied by itching, redness, odor or lethargy. See why dogs shed.

Clean-up routines that save time

Keep a lint roller or damp rubber glove by the door and a small handheld vacuum near the sofa so that a minute of cleaning replaces an hour later. Put a washable blanket on your dog's favorite spot, and shake or wash it weekly. Wipe hard floors with a damp microfiber mop rather than sweeping, which moves hair into the air. Over a few weeks these habits make shedding season far less overwhelming, even though the amount of hair has not changed.

The takeaway

Brush often, bathe sensibly, feed well and clean smart. These steps keep fur under control without trying to stop a natural process.